The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Verses 1889-1896 by Rudyard Kipling: "'E's sleepin' out an' far to-night", the Colour-Sergeant said.
"I've drunk 'is beer a score o' times", said Files-on-Parade.
"'E's drinkin' bitter beer alone", the Colour-Sergeant said.
They are hangin' Danny Deever, you must mark 'im to 'is place,
For 'e shot a comrade sleepin' -- you must look 'im in the face;
Nine 'undred of 'is county an' the regiment's disgrace,
While they're hangin' Danny Deever in the mornin'.
"What's that so black agin' the sun?" said Files-on-Parade.
"It's Danny fightin' 'ard for life", the Colour-Sergeant said.
"What's that that whimpers over'ead?" said Files-on-Parade.
 Verses 1889-1896 |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Lay Morals by Robert Louis Stevenson: when Marie-Madeleine raised her eyes, she met those of the
subject of her contemplations fixed directly on herself with
a look that is unmistakable, the look of a person measuring
and valuing another - and, to clench the false impression,
that his glance was instantly and guiltily withdrawn. The
blood beat back upon her heart and leaped again; her obscure
thoughts flashed clear before her; she flew in fancy straight
to his arms like a wanton, and fled again on the instant like
a nymph. And at that moment there chanced an interruption,
which not only spared her embarrassment, but set the last
consecration on her now articulate love.
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